A Comparison of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
Abstract
Comparing the Chinese and Western festivals can help people promote the communication and understand the different cultures.As the society and inter-cultures develop,Many aspects of life will be affected by globalization in all countries. And western festivals are becoming more and more popular in China. We should select the essence and discard the dross. China boasts a brilliant history and glorious traditions. In modern times, Chinese tradition should be preserved and promoted. But it seems that young people don’t have the realization to treasure the tradition. To the opposite, they turn to pursue enthusiastically a seemingly more modern culture. If this trend is allowed to continue, the priceless heritage of our ancestors will be replaced by western traditions. There is nobody expecting such a consequence. So let’s unite together to inherit and carry forward Chinese tradition.
Key words:traditional festivals; Chinese and Western cultures;cultural differences;common ground
中西方传统节日对比研究
摘要
对比中西方节日可以帮助人们增进交流，了解不同的文化。随着社会和跨文化的发展，所有国家生活的许多方面都受到全球化的影响。西方节日在中国正变得越来越流行，我们应该取其精华去其糟粕。中国有着悠久的历史和光荣的传统。在当今时代，我们应该继承和发扬中国传统。但是，年轻人们并没有对待传统的意识，相反，他们转向疯狂地追求更现代的文化。如果这种趋势一直继续下去，我们祖先无价的遗产将会被西方传统所代替，没有人希望出现那种结果。所以我们要团结起来继承和发扬中国传统文化。
关键词：传统节日；中西方文化；文化差异；共同点
Contents
Introduction
1. Differences of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
1.1The Difference on the Festival Forms
1.2The Difference on the Festival Connotations
1.3 The Difference on the Festival Customs
1.3.1 Spring Festival vs. Christmas Day
1.3.2 Tomb Sweeping Day vs. Halloween
1.3.3 Double-Seventh Day vs. Valentines Day
1.3.4 Mid-autumn Day vs. Thanksgiving Day
2.The Influencing Factors Causing Differences between Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
2.1 Factors Influencing Chinese Traditional Festivals
2.1.1 Confucianism
2.1.1.1 Benevolence
2.1.1.2 Filial Piety and Reunion
2.1.2 agriculture civilization
2.2 Factors Influencing Western Traditional Festivals
3. Common Ground and Mutual Fusion of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
3.1Common Ground
3.2 Mutual Fusion
4. Conclusion
A Comparison of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
Introduction
Different countries have different cultures.Culture is the soul carrier of human beings, and it’s the core value of one country. Among all the elements that are composed a nation’s culture, traditional festival culture is the most important and richest one. Festival is regard as a special occasion on which people may give thanks for a harvest, commemorate an honored person or event, pay respect to the dead, or celebrate a culture. Festival introduces during the course of human development and historical evolution as a cultural phenomenon. This remarkable cultural phenomenon reflect human cognition and attention to the natural environments and peripheral surroundings. Festival is viewed as “ a carrier of cult ure”, or an embodiment of the patterns of behavior and thinking that people learn, create and share. Through this unique and specific phenomenon, it is more direct and convenient for the researcher to explore the deeper layer of human culture. Moreover, the festival provides us a shortcut to explore the difference and similarity of two cultures. It is known that Chinese and western traditional festivals are two
different cultural forms evolved from comparatively independent cultural systems, which possess peculiar characteristics and varied manifestation. So they must have a lot of differences.
The thesis consists of forth parts. The first part would focus on the differences of traditional Chinese and western festivals. In the second part of the thesis, major factors causing differences would be analyzed. The third part would study the common ground and mutual fusion of traditional Chinese and western festivals. In the last part of the thesis, there would be a brief conclusion.
1. Differences of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals
1.1 The Difference on the Festival Forms
On the one hand,the influential areas of the two sets of festival cultures are different. Chinese festivals mainly influence the Asian countries including Japan, Korean, Thailand, etc. The western festivals mainly influence the Christian world. Although in the modern multicultural world the influences of western festivals such as Christmas Day are much wider than Chinese Spring Festival, the traditions which have been formed in many countries still exist.
On the other hand,they have different periodicity. Chinese traditional
festivals are mainly based on lunar calendar, while the western ones are mainly based on the solar calendar.
1.2 The Difference on the Festival Connotations
The first difference in the perspective of connotation is that they have different value orientation. Traditional Chinese festival cultures are featured by collectivism. Chinese festivals attach more importance to group activity and the passing down of ethics and virtues. But traditional western festival cultures are featured by individualism. They lay great emphasis on the expression of personal emotions and the individual psychological feelings.
Second, Festivals between China and Western countries are different in the form of emotional expression. Thus, Chinese veil their real thoughts while Westerners always reveal their minds freely and directly. The way of accepting gifts and the attitudes are different. During festivals, the Chinese and the Western country have shown very different attitudes about a gift for someone. The Chinese people often defer about the present, as if they have to accept it, but they will not open it in front of the present. In western country, people ask for a gift, and they will usually open it in front of people’s face and express their thanks.
Third, the national culture mentality can also be different. The Chinese festival culture are Comedy-oriented, they pursuit the happy
ending and harmony, while the western festival culture are tragedy-oriented because the ancient Greek culture are tragic-conscious and the Christian culture are sin conscious.
1.3 The Difference on the Festival Customs
The custom is a great difference between Chinese and western traditional festivals.Different culture background breeds different national festival customs.Understanding Chinese and western festival customs can help us improve our faith and respect to different national culture.Next, in order to study the difference of Chinese and western festival customs,we will take Spring Festival,Tomb Sweeping Day, Double-Seventh Day and Mid-autumn Day for example, and compare with Christmas Day, Halloween, Valentines Day and Thanksgiving Day.
1.3.1 Spring Festival vs. Christmas Day
In China, as spring is the most beautiful season and all creatures on earth begin to grow, flowers are blooming in a riot of color; seeds sprout everywhere, i t is vitally important to celebrate the coming of the spring. As the beginning of a year, December 23rd in lunar year is the prelude to Spring Festival. On that day, all families without exception will worship the god of the kitchen and started to busily prepared for the New Year’s coming. In addition, according to the traditional habits, Chinese people
will also make a thorough cleanup, which is also called spring-cleaning, to show their desire to sweep “the old and bad things” out of their house, ring out the Old Year and ring in the New Year. After this work, every house along the street has a bright and new look. With paper-cuts on the windows, couplets on the wall and red lanterns in front of the door, it looks really brilliant and full of happiness. The New Year’s Eve is the last day of December in lunar year. At that night, all members in a family will get tog ether to enjoy the “family reunion dinner”, implied meaning lucky and harmony. When having dinner, everyone should only talking about things happy and good, avoid referring to death, disease or something bad. What’s more, family members will not sleep unti l the dawn of the New Year’s Day. Instead, they will chat, watching TV and having snacks such as melon seeds, orange, and peanuts. The most exciting moment is when the New Year’s Bell rang. It seems as if all the firecrackers around the world are set off with only one second. The sound of firecrackers will not stop until the dawn, and the new upsurge will begin at that time, when every family open the door and begin to visit their relatives. The carnival will continue to January 15th in lunar year.
In western countries, a similar festival is the Christmas Day which actually begins in December 12th and ends in January 6th in the next year. Like Chinese New Year, it is also a period rather than only one day, which is familiar to us all – December 25th. As the birthday of Jesus Christ, the
Christmas Day is with no doubt the most vitally day all over the year. And as we all know, most western people are Christian. Red, green and white are regarded as the luckiest colors in Christmas Day, as they stand for the Christmas candle, Christmas tree and pure snow. People decorate a kind of evergreen tree with all kinds and colors of lights, balloons, gifts, paper flowers and so on, all filled with a festival atmosphere. Santa Claus is the most famous figure in western festival. All children believe that they will receive a brilliant gift from Santa Claus, and as they growing up, they will gradually know that their Santa Claus is a figure in human’s imagination. But who care? The most important thing is they get pleasure and own a happy childhood full of imagine. Just like Chinese spring-dinner, western people value the reunion of the whole family. They having dinner together beside the Christmas tree and enjoy themselves in playing until late at night. It is worth mentioning that the most popular songs during this period are “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”.
1.3.2 Tomb Sweeping Day vs. Halloween
T he Tomb-sweeping Day is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China, falling on April 4-6 each year. After the festival, the temperature w ill rise up and rainfall increases. It is the high time for spring plowing and sowing. But the Tomb-sweeping Day is not only a seasonal point to guid e farm work; it is more a festival of commemoration. The Tomb-sweeping
Day sees a combination of sadness and happiness. This is the most impo rtant day of sacrifice. Both the Han and minority ethnic groups at this tim e offer sacrifices to their ancestors and sweep the tombs of the diseased. Also, they will not cook on this day and only cold food is served. In ancie nt times, people celebrated the Tomb-sweeping Day with dancing, singing , picnics, and kite flying. Colored boiled eggs would be broken to symbol ize the opening of life. In the capital, the Emperor would plant trees on th e palace grounds to celebrate the renewing nature of spring. In the village s, young men and women would court each other.
Similar to the spring festivals of other cultures, Tomb Sweeping Da y celebrates the rebirth of nature, while marking the beginning of the plan ting season and other outdoor activities. On each Tomb-sweeping Day, al l cemeteries are crowded with people who came to sweep tombs and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to the cemeteries becomes extremely jamm ed. The customs have been greatly simplified today. After slightly sweepi ng the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then b urn incense and paper money and bow before the memorial tablet. With t he passing of time, this celebration of life became a day to the honor past ancestors. Following folk religion, the Chinese believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors looked after the family. Sacrifices of food and spirit m oney could keep them happy, and the family would prosper through good harvests and more children.
Today, Chinese visit their family graves to tend to any underbrush th at has grown. Weeds are pulled, and dirt swept away, and the family will s et out offerings of food and spirit money. Unlike the sacrifices at a family' s home altar, the offerings at the tomb usually consist of dry, bland food. One theory is that since any number of ghosts roam around a grave area, t he less appealing food will be consumed by the ancestors, and not be plun dered by strangers. Honoring ancestors begins with proper positioning of a gravesite and coffin. Experts in Fang Shri, or geomancy, determine the quality of land by the surrounding aspects of streams, rivers, trees, hills, a nd so forth. An area that faces south, with groves of pine trees creates the best flow of cosmic energy required to keep ancestors happy. Unfortunate ly, nowadays, with China's burgeoning population, public cemeteries hav e quickly supplanted private gravesites. Family elders will visit the graves ite at least once a year to tend to the tombs. While bland food is placed b y the tombs on the Tomb-sweeping Day, the Chinese regularly provide sc rumptious offerings to their ancestors at altar tables in their homes. The fo od usually consists of chicken, eggs, or other dishes a deceased ancestor was fond of. Accompanied by rice, the dishes and eating utensils are caref ully arranged so as to bring good luck. In some parts of China, the food i s then eaten by the entire family.
In contrast to the sadness of the tomb sweepers, people also enjoy ho pe of spring on this day. The Tomb-sweeping Day is a time when the sun
shines brightly, the trees and grass become green and nature is again livel y. Since ancient times, people have followed the custom of spring outings . At this time tourists are everywhere. People love to fly kites during the T omb-sweeping Day. Kite flying is actually not limited to the Tomb-sweep ing Day. Its uniqueness lies in that people fly kites not during the day, but also at night. A string of little lanterns tied onto the kite or the thread loo k like shining stars, and therefore, are called "god's lanterns." The Tomb-s weeping Day is also a time to plant trees, for the survival rate of saplings is high and trees grow fast later. In the past, the Tomb-sweeping Day was called "Arbor Day".
In western countries, a similar festival is Halloween.On October 31st, dozens of children dressed in costumes knock on their neighbors' doors and yell "Trick or Treat" when the door opens. Pirates and princesses, ghosts and popular heroes of the day all hold bags open to catch the candy or other goodies that the neighbors drop in. As they give each child a treat the neighbors exclaim over the costumes and try to guess who is under the masks.
Since the 800's November 1st is a religious holiday known as All Saints' Day. The Mass that was said on this day was called Allhallowmas. The evening before became known as All Hakka e'en, or Halloween. Like some other American celebrations, its origins lie in both pre-Christian and Christian customs.October 31 st was the eve of the Celtic new year. The
Celts were the ancestors of the present-day Irish, Welsh and Scottish people. On this day ghosts walked and mingled with the living, or so the Celts thought. The townspeople baked food all that day and when night fell they dressed up and tried to resemble the souls of the dead. Hoping that the ghosts would leave peacefully before midnight of the new year.Much later, when Christianity spread throughout Ireland and October 31 was no longer the last day of the year, Halloween became a celebration mostly for children. "Ghosts" went from door to door asking for treats, or else a trick would be played on the owners of the house. When millions of Irish people immigrated to the United States in the 1840s the tradition came with them.
Today' school dances and neighborhood parties called "block parties" are popular among young and old alike. More and more adults celebrate Halloween. They dress up like historical or political figures and go to masquerade parties. In larger cities, costumed children and their parents gather at shopping malls early in the evening. Stores and businesses give parties with games and treats for the children.Teenagers enjoy costume dances at their schools and the more outrageous the costume the better!Certain pranks such as soaping car windows and tipping over garbage cans are expected. But partying and pranks are not the only things that Halloween-ers enjoy doing. Some collect money to buy food and medicine for needy children around the world.
Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits. Witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, ghosts, goblins and skeletons have all evolved as symbols of Halloween. They are popular trick-or-treat costumes and decorations for greeting cards and windows. Black is one of the traditional Halloween colors, probably because Halloween festivals and traditions took place at night. In the weeks before October 31, Americans decorate windows of houses and schools with silhouettes of witches and black cats.Pumpkins are also a symbol of Halloween. The pumpkin is an orange-colored squash, and orange has become the other traditional Halloween color.
1.3.3 Double-Seventh Day vs. Valentines Day
The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the most romantic traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as the double-Seventh Festival，the Begging Festival or the Daughter’s Festival.
Skills-begging is he main folk custom for the Double-Seventh Festival, on which night women would get together to pray to Vega and Altair. Zhi Nu is said to be clever and deft, good at handicraft, so women always pray to her for the special gift, which is called skills-begging. There are also those who pray for wealth, long life or sons, each having her own preferable choice, but only one wish can be prayed for according
to the folk belief. As the folktale goes, Zhi Nu is a wretched maid , nothing but clever and deft; there fore more women tend to pray for her special gift.The sacrifice offered to Niu Lang and Zhi Nu are distinctive-melons, flowers, water chestnuts, peaches, plums, lotus seedpods, etc.-----fresh and dainty, in remarkable contrast to the usual fish and meat offered at those common memorial ceremonies hosted by male masters.Skill-begging takes varied forms; the common one is threading the needle. A group of unmarried girls, with threads in hand, perform a small contest of threading the needle in the moonlight and the one who first threads the needle will win the special gift from Zhi Nu. It is a very popular game among maids. There is a story about a maid named Zheng Cainiang who prayed to Vega on the night of the Double-seventh Festival. Zhi Nu asked her what she desired and she answered “weaving crafts”. Zhi Nu then gave her a one-inch gold needle and stuck it in a piece of paper, saying that within three days without letting anybody know Zhen Cainiang would receive the special gift and could also change into a lad. Two days later, Zheng Cainiang could not help but reveal the secret to her mother who went to see the gold needle out of curiosity, only to find nothing but the paper with the needle hole in it. After her death, Zheng Caining was said to be reincarnated to a baby boy. Afterwards, maids followed suit and thus threading the needle to beg for the special gift has become a popular practice.
One of the anecdotes kept in the book Kaiyuan Tianbao Yishi [Bequeathed Matters from the Kaiyuan (713AD---741AD) and Tianbao (742 AD---756AD) Periods]，about the time of Emperor Tang Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (618AD---907AD), mentions that there was another form of “skills-begging”in the palace at that time: On the night of the Double-Seventh Festival, the palace maids would each get a spider, put it into a small box, and open the box the next early morning to see whose spider had woven a thicker web; the thicker web showed the owner’s being bestowed on more weaving skills, the thinner fewer. Accordingly, the folk populace contended to take the practice, which was of great appeal.
In the south area by the Chang Jiang River, according to the memories of the elderly women, the begging activity in their childhood had a different aspect of interest. Early on the day before the double-seventh’s festival, people would fetch rainwater and well-water in equal quantity and put the mixed water and well-water in equal quantity and put the mixed water in a bowl in the open air for a whole night. The next morning on the Double-Seventh Festival, the bowl of water which contained night dew too would be put under the sun for half a day till the noon when a thin film emerged on the surface of the water. Then an embroidery needle, or an extremely thin bamboo strand, or a pine needle would be put on the surface slightly enough that it would float but not
sink. Judgment would be made according to the needle shadows reflected from the bottom of the water. Due to accidental factors, coupled with people’s imagination, the needle shadows would change constantly and magically. It was taken for granted that the form of a dragon, a phoenix, or clouds or flowers was a sign of receiving the special gift, a prediction that the girl would be clever and deft and get whatever she aspired after. Such an activity was always performed when lots of girls gathered together, known as “the Begging Gathering”, which was full of delightful laughter and cheerful exchanges of conversations.
Among the folk populace in Guangzhou, while worshiping on the night of the Double-Seventh Festival, girls will display their own needlework on the offering table, such as their hand-made embroidered shoes, tiger-head hats, scented purses, paper-cuts and many other articles of handicraft art, which is a feast for the eyes, too much to enjoy. Friends, relatives and passers-by cannot help stopping to appreciate and comment.
In some areas, there is a custom of gazing up at clouds on the Double-Seventh Festival. People presume that day’s clouds tend to take special magic changing forms and they like to conjecture about their fates in accordance with the changeable clouds. This seems somewhat mysterious as the above-mentioned needle shadows, under the influence exerted by people’s psychology. The elderly in the countryside are said to observe the Heavenly River whose early appearance is said to predict a
harvest year with a low corn price; otherwise, a high corn price. People call it “An Inquiry about Corn Price”, an old practice of divination, which so far has faded out of people’s memory.The country girls in the south of the Changjiang River have the custom of washing hair on the Double-Seventh Festival. Originally, they went to the field to collect seven kinds of weeds from which they rubbed juice out for hair washing. Later, hair was washed with water mixed with hibiscus leaves to substitute for weeds. It is said that Zhi Nu will wash her hair by the riverside that day and go to meet Niu Lang when her hair takes a glossy black look. Thus girls on the earth wash their hair too on that day.We cannot miss mentioning one snack for the festival . Dough is mixed with sugar, kneaded, pressed into a thin piece, cut into small squares, twisted slightly and put into boiled oil resembles Mahua( a fried dough twist), but more dainty and has a nice name “Qiao Guo”with the implication of “skills-begging”. It is usually home-made; some stores run this business as well and it sells well.
Till now, the begging mores on the Double-Seventh Festival seem to fade out, but the legend of NiLang and Zhi Nu is still on the lips of people. Since Valentine’s Day is celebrated in foreign countries, some say, the Chinese should observe their own Valentine’s Day too. Among the traditional festivals, the Double-Seventh Festival is better suited to Valentine’s Day. Won’t you agree?
In western countries, Valentine's Day is an informal observance of a lover's holiday. Today, the observance has no connection with the many legendary Valentines, and holds no religious significance. The day is observed with exchanges of love notes and cards, and other tokens of affection, called valentines. The symbols of the heart and Cupid are common in cards, decorations of store windows,candies and other paraphernalia. Traditional valentines were frilly sweet, and tender affairs made of red and white paper and lace with cutouts and cupids. The custom of sending cards, giving candy, and other such tokens has caught a great deal of commercial enthusiasm. Many stores, for instance, decorate seasonally, or a according to calendar holidays. Valentine's Day is the first excuse for splashy valentine theme dominates stationery stores, candy stores, confectioneries and quite often drug stores where cards and candy are sold.
1.3.4 Mid-autumn Day vs. Thanksgiving Day
"Zhong Qiu Jie" which is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar in China. This day is considered a harvest festival since fruits, vegetables an d grain has been harvested by this time and food is abundant. So, it is a ti me for relaxation and celebration. Food offerings are placed on an altar se
t up in the courtyard. Apples, pears, peaches, grapes, pomegranates, melo ns, oranges and pomelos might be seen. Special foods for the festival incl ude moon cakes, cooked taro, edible snails from the taro patches and wate r caltrop.
The round moon cakes, measuring about three inches in diameter an d one and a half inches in thickness, resemble Western fruitcakes in taste and consistency. These cakes are made with melon seeds, almonds, mince d meats, bean paste and so on. A golden yolk from a salted duck egg is pl aced at the center of each cake, and the golden brown crust is decorated w ith symbols of the festival.
Today, festivities centered about the Mid-Autumn Festival are more varied. After a family reunion dinner, many people like to go out to attend special performances in parks or on public squares. What’s more，people in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.For example, in Guangzhou in South China, a huge lantern show is a big attraction for local citizens. Thousands of differently shaped lanterns are lit, forming a fantastic contrast with the bright moonlight.Though people in different places follow various custo ms, but all show their love and longing for a better life.
In western countries, Thanksgiving Day, legal holiday observed annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. In
论“诚实守信” 系、部、院：美术与设计学院专业：国画三班 年级：2012级 姓名：王波 学号：2012101108
论“诚实守信” 王波 诚信是什么？诚信是成功人生的灯塔，诚信是人生的重要美德，诚信是人的立足之本，而且诚信更是一种高尚人格的体现，是人类社会和谐发展，人与人友好共处的基础，也是当代大学生的“必修课”，古人云：“君子立其诚”。“诚信明礼，以信为美”，而且在这个竞争激烈的社会，诚信越来越成为，我们当代大学生在以后的生活中精诚合作的开始，而且我也是这样认为，共有以下几点: 一．大学生诚信的现状和问题 首先大学时期是大学生立志成才的关键时期，是大学生完善自我的时期。但是在当前时期的高等院校的诚信建设却出现了许多新的问题，如大学生考试作弊现象；求职履历“掺水”或造假；不履行还贷义务，故意拖欠助学贷款；个别毕业生还在就业合同中出现毁约现象，但总的归结起来都是大学生本人的诚信教育有着息息相关。而我经过网上查询得出大学生的诚信状况有： 1.大学生的现状大致有以下几个特点： a、从认识层面来讲，多数学生把诚信作为一种重要品质来看待。 b、大学生将诚信划分为理想认识与现实操作两个层面 c.从对别人要求的角度，大学生对于别人的诚信品质要求普遍较高，而作为自己的道德要求却不高，并且自身实践诚信较差。 d、有相当一部分学生对于什么是“诚信”认识不清。 e、大学生选择诚信同时考虑自身的经济利益，有强烈的功利倾向 2.大学生在诚信方面存在的突出问题有： a、日常言行缺乏诚信，背信违约。 b、信贷诚信：恶意拖欠贷款、学费，银行高校处境为难。 c、考试诚信：考试作弊，屡禁不止。 d、就业诚信：求职履历，弄虚作假；就业签约，无故悔约 e、学术诚信：抄袭成风，瞒天过海 二．诚信问题产生的主要原因 大学生活其实就是一个小社会，因为大学实际上是社会、家庭、学校的一个缩影。所以我针对大学生出现的诚信危机，我不能简单地归结为大学生道德品质
A Comparison of Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals Abstract Comparing the Chinese and Western festivals can help people promote the communication and understand the different cultures.As the society and inter-cultures develop,Many aspects of life will be affected by globalization in all countries. And western festivals are becoming more and more popular in China. We should select the essence and discard the dross. China boasts a brilliant history and glorious traditions. In modern times, Chinese tradition should be preserved and promoted. But it seems that young people don’t have the realization to treasure the tradition. To the opposite, they turn to pursue enthusiastically a seemingly more modern culture. If this trend is allowed to continue, the priceless heritage of our ancestors will be replaced by western traditions. There is nobody expecting such a consequence. So let’s unite together to inherit and carry forward Chinese tradition. Key words:traditional festivals; Chinese and Western cultures;cultural differences;common ground
西方四大节日文化 课题组成员:潘雅琪陈莉娜 指导老师:苏雁 研究背景： 现在，越来越多的中国年轻人开始忽视中国的传统节日而更注重西方节日。于是，中国节日和文化正面临一个新的挑战。年轻人喜欢过西方节日。这种现象的发生是因为如下原因： 一、是因为年轻人认为西方节日更时尚更浪漫。 二、是相对于中国的传统节日，西方节日相对显的较为新奇。 三、是商家的大肆渲染追捧。 研究目的: 通过组队的方式共同运用英语知识了解实际问题，体会学习英语知识的在生活中的重要性,增强对英语学习的自信心和对英语学习的兴趣。加强对运用英语解决实际问题能力和创新意识的培养，提高英语在生活中实用度，同时培养伙伴
之间的合作精神。 研究步骤: 1．确定课题 2制定计划 3搜集资料 4总结整理 5交流评价 研究成果: 1.个人英语学习方法与成绩的研究报告； 2.开题报告 3.资料的搜集 4.成果展示课件 5.分析论文 6.结题报告表
、 正文: 西方新年（New Year） 1. Origin of New Year 犹太历七月的第一天;伊斯兰教历第一个月的第一天;格列高利历(Gre gorian calendar),公历或阳历。为纪念1582年罗马教皇格列高利十三世（P ope Gregory XIII）采用此历而命名的。按阳历或公历，新年从1月1日（January 1）开始。在元旦这一天，人们辞旧迎新（to see the old yea r out and the new year in）。 2. Wishes : Happy New Year .Happy New Year to you. Wish a happy Ne w Year. Thank you, the same to you.恭喜发财, 身体健康,万事如意。 3. Celebrations 由于文化和习俗的不同,各国人民庆祝元旦和新年的方式和形式也有一定的差异。 在西方国家，尽管圣诞节才是最大的节日，新年在人们心目中仍占有不可替代的重要地位。除夕之夜（NewYear?s Day）晚会是庆祝新年到来必不可少的活动。西方各国的人们都喜欢在欢快的乐曲和绚丽的光彩中喜气洋洋地度过一年的最后一个夜晚。此时，化装晚会特别受欢迎。来宾们把尊严和谨慎藏在面具之后，打扮得稀奇古怪。大家无拘无束，尽情玩乐，与平日的行为大相径庭。在英美两国，午夜钟声一响，参加晚会的人们还
1、思维模式的异同 中国人喜欢站在生命的更高处思考问题,跳出现实,重视对生命的思考,在对人和人之间,人和自然界之间,人的精神和肉体之间的关系都有深刻的思考. 西方人偏重于逻辑思维或者理性思维；中国人属于抽象思维或者感性思维.而西方人更注重于从物质世界入手,去探索和求证问题的本源. 2、对待个人利益与集体利益、国家利益的异同 中国人更看重集体利益,包括家族利益、国家利益,主张控制自己的欲望,反对极端个人主义和英雄主义,往往把个人利益和集体利益,国家利益联系在一起,富于爱国和献身精神.而西方人更重视个体利益,追求人权,崇尚自由,认为如果连个体利益都无法保障,更谈何集体利益,正是这样的思想认识,最终推动了西方民主政治的发展; 3、民主观念的异同 中国人注重精神的自由,把自由、民主看成是君主权贵的赏赐.所以我们的人民总在渴望青天,希望能有好官的出现为民谋利.而西方的民主政治认为,政出于民,一切的政权只是人民授予,让政府来行使的一种公权力. 4、科学观的异同 中国人更相信先人的经验和权威,相信古人甚至超过相信今人,迷信权威,缺乏创新和探索精神.而西方人重视实践和理论,富于探险精神,倡导理性思维.通过正规的学院式教育对科学成果进行普及和推广,极大的促进了科学的发展,也最终建立了完整的科学体系; 5、中西方的道德观是迥然不同的 西方强调个体本位,而中国人提倡群体本位.中西方道德观的不同,使中西方的伦理体系和道德规范具有了不同的特点：西方重契约,中国重人伦；西方重理智,中国重人情；西方伦理重于竞争,中国则偏重于中庸、和谐；西方的伦理道德是以人性恶为出发点,强调个体的道德教育,中国儒家是从人性善的观点出发,强调个体的道德修养. 6、法制观念的异同 中国人主张用礼、道德来约束,通过先贤的教诲和学习提高自己的修养,讲究克己复礼,导致了人格的缺陷,丧失了独立的人格；而西方人认为人的原欲是不应该被压制的,对于社会和个人的规范,主张用“法制”,通过制度,如三权分立的组织、政治机构来约束制约,道德则处于从属的地位. 7、在为人处世方面的异同 中国人内敛、自省,喜欢“每日三省吾身”,为的是合于先王之道,把修养身心看的很重,推崇中庸思想,导致思想的保守、缺乏创新和开拓进取精神.西方人更热心于公益事业,把服务社会当成自己的职责. 8 、经济制度不同 中国的传统经济是典型的自给自足的自然经济.人们比较安分保守.因为他们依靠一块土地可以活一辈子,文化比较内向.而且中国的古代文明,发源于大河流域,属于农业文明,“农业文明性格”造就了东方人注重伦理道德,求同求稳,以“和为贵,忍为高”为处世原则. 西方的古希腊文明,发源于爱琴海沿岸,属于海洋文明,况且欧洲的农耕远不像中国的农耕在古代社会那样重要,所以欧洲人喜欢向外探索,文化比较外向.而且西方国家经过工业革命很早就进入了工业经济时代,“工业文明性格”造就了西方人有较强的斗争精神和维护自身利益的法律意识,以独立、自由、平等为处世原则. 9、地理环境的不同 封闭的大陆型地理环境使中国人的思维局限在本土之内,善于总结前人的经验教训,喜欢“以史为镜”,而空间意识较弱.这种内向型思维导致了中国人求稳好静的性格,对新鲜事物缺乏好奇,对未知事物缺乏兴趣.
Second English papers Each nation has its own characteristic festivals that reflect the culture of itself、In China, as our country and western countries become increasingly closer, more and more chinese accept western culture、 However, some western festivals sometimes even more popular than traditional festivals, foreign cultural’s influence should not be underestimated、The main The main group of celebrating western festivals is youth group which takes students as the main force、People celebrate festivals such as Valentine's day, mother's day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day、In fact, because of the Chinese way of thinking, western holidays in China is just popular for Christmas and Valentine's day, not all western holidays attract people's attention、According to a survey of Central China Normal University, many college students know the existence of western festivals, but little of them know about their cultural connotations、In addition to Christmas, respondents who know other western festivals’meaning are less than 10%、Referring to the way to celebrating, in General, during the Festival, people send gifts such as flowers and greeting cards、They sing with friends, and bless or send
题目：中西方礼仪文化差异学院：数学与统计科学学院专业：数学与应用数学 学生姓名：白莉 学号：201141000102 指导教师：刘晓玲
中西方礼仪文化差异 [摘要] 中西方不仅在语言方面有很大的差异，同时也在饮食习惯，交际礼仪等等多方面。大学生在学习生活中也要去了解与学习中西方文化的差异。本文阐述了中西方文化在日常礼仪与餐桌礼仪方面的不同之处，帮助学生更好地了解中西方文化的不同，提高对中西方礼仪差异的认识，从而加深交际能力和跨文化意识。 [关键词] 中西方文化；餐桌礼仪；日常礼仪；交际礼仪
目录 引言 (3) 称呼 (3) 饮食 (4) 餐具 (4) 交谈 (5) 结论 (5)
引言 培根说过：“举止彬彬有礼的人，一定能赢得好的名誉。”正如同西班牙的伊丽莎白女王所说：“理解是一封通行四方的推荐书。”中国自从加入世界贸易组织，国际交往日益增多，身为高等学府的学生，有更多的机会与外国友人交往。在交往中需要学习并且写好这份“推荐书”，仅有流利的语言交流是不够的，必须了解中西文化利益的差异。“礼仪”的学习与了解应该是有意识的加入到日常生活照，下面，对中西方文化礼仪之差异作进一步分析。 礼仪是在社会交往活动中应该遵守的尊敬他人的礼节程序。中文中的“礼仪”由“礼”和“仪”两个字组成，分别代指礼貌、礼节，仪式、仪表。它们是一种要求，一种被人们规定的共同认可的程序。《论语》说“礼之用，和为贵”。“礼”可以产生出“人利”的气氛。“不学礼，无以立”，不懂礼貌，则无法立身，这是中国自古以来的共识，反映了孔子对礼仪的重视。中国自古被称为文明古国，礼仪之邦，礼仪在中国历史上源远流长。中国古代有《周礼》、《仪礼》、《礼仪》三部名著，这三部涵盖了中国古代礼仪的重要内容。 西方礼仪有很多种词汇，比如courtesy：有礼貌的行为。Etiquette：除了礼仪外，还指对从事某一行业人士的行动起约束作用规矩。Protocol：一种刻板的，在外交和军事领域内实行的长期公认的相处准则。Tite：仪式、典礼和惯例、习俗。 繁多的有关礼仪的词汇反映出了西方人对礼仪的重视，并有对礼仪更加细致的划分。这具体到礼仪文化上，中西方有如下多种差异。 称呼 中国传统意义上的家是指家庭，中国的礼仪产生于不同的家族文明。西方则从古希腊就开始以工商经济为主，这种经济于天然人伦无法相容，所以，宗法文明未充分发展。英语中的家源自拉丁词汇，而这个拉丁词汇源于在“家族之父的权力下”从事劳动的奴隶[1]。这与中国的家的概念完全不同。西方的家带有与工商经济发展相融的私有财产的意味。不仅家不同，国家也有不同的地方。在英语中，国家主要表示地域性或民族性的含义。是地域、民族、家族的总和。在中国人看来“国之本在家”。家是国家的命脉。中国人重在家中做人，英文中所说的一个人的背景与起源在中文中时身家，出身的表示。中国礼仪有着一种高超的宗法文明，同时内外亲疏之别，是中国人往往注重拉关系，“义父”、“义子”、“干
中西方节日文化的差异 一年中被赋予特殊社会文化意义并穿插于日常之间的日子，称为节日，节日是人们丰富多彩生活的集中展现，是各地区、民族、国家的政治、经济、文化、宗教等的总结和延伸。节日的形成是一个民族或国家历史文化长期沉淀累积凝聚的过程，节日作为民族文化的一个重要组成部分，包含着一个民族历史形成和沉淀下来的性格、心理、信仰、观念、思维方式以及诸多民族文化深层结构内涵的价值取向，是民族精神在特定的社会土壤中长期孕育的结果和重要载体。而不同的国家和民族的节日也是不同的，它们丰富多彩，各具特色，体现着当地的民俗风情。 1、中西方传统节日的起源不同 中国的传统节日主要与人文文化有关，西方传统节日主要与宗教文化相关。中国传统节日最初的雏形是一些祭祀的日子。人们在春种、夏长、秋收、冬藏的过程中认识到自然地变化规律，总结出时令。将一年中不同季节的气候特征进行归纳排序，便形成了岁时节令。岁时节令不仅指导了我国古代农业，而且深深融入我国民族风俗习惯和文化之中，有的节气还成了民间重要节日。如：元旦、立春等。节日活动的目的都与农事生产直接相关。人们通过农闲时的这些欢庆活动，祭祀日月星辰，庆祝五谷丰登，祈求来年风调雨顺。 与中国传统节日相比，西方的传统节日都带有浓厚的宗教色彩。在西方，人类社会早期的节日活动也具有企盼丰收的性质。自从欧洲大陆被基督教文明侵染后，西方基本所有的影响重大的传统节日都与基督教有关。在这些节日中，圣诞节、复活节和主显节是基督教三大节日。这些节日，有的是信徒自发形成的，有的是教会规定的，几乎贯穿一年的始终。随着基督教跨文明的普世化和欧洲移民向世界各大洲的播散，这些节日大多成为了世界性的节日。 2、中西方传统节日文化价值取向的差异 中西方节日文化的差异也源于中西方的不同价值取向：礼仪和法制。中国传统文化中的“礼”是反映华夏主文化特征的核心文化。这种礼治思想从集体本位主义出发，强调个体的义务，崇尚个体服从集体，因此中国节日注重的是节庆活动中的集体参与。西方文化中的“法”，是反映西方主文化特征的核心文化，“法”是从社会成员外在行为规则中引出来的范畴。这种法治思想建立于个体本位主义基础之上。西方文化奉行个人本位，以自我为中心，重个人，重竞争，注重人的人格和尊严，权利和自由。此外，中国传统节日还注重伦理道德的传承，中国人向来讲究含
中西方文化差异的wenzhang 一、中西文化背景的差异 以中国文化为代表的东方文化，受到儒家思想和佛教、道教文化的影响深远，其根源可以上溯到两千多年前的春秋战国时代，以孔子编纂修订的“六经”为其文化基础，这种文化总的表现为：注重个人修养，注重道德力量，反对武力，注重与他人、自然的和谐相处，追求精神的超脱，以“仁”和“孝”为社会核心。同时更注重于自给自足的内向型文化，清朝时的闭关锁国正是其体现。 而以美国文化为代表的西方文化，其思想基础都是源自欧洲文艺复兴时，源头则是古希腊罗马文化，受基督教影响深远，看重个人的自由和权利，注重实践和探索，跟中国人喜欢对生命本源的哲学思考不同，他们更注重于对自然的探索和求证，从物质层面去考量生命的本源。以“爱”为社会核心。同时具有开放性的外向型文化，以新海路开辟时对新大陆的侵略为代表。 二、中西方价值观和思维方式的异同 ①科学观 在科学方面，中国人更相信先人的经验和权威，相信古人甚至超过相信今人，迷信权威，缺乏创新和探索精神，所以，尽管人类历史上四大发明都是出自中国人之手，郑和下西洋时，中国的造船技术是世界一流的，但几千人的船队七下西洋，不过为了宣示明王朝的“富有与强大”，但是当麦哲伦的船队环游世界时, 当西方人使用中国发明的指南针、火药入侵我们时，我们想到的竟然是在大海边再造一处万里长城，思维的保守与守旧，缺乏创新和探险精神由此可见一斑。 而西方人重视实践和理论，富于探险精神，倡导理性思维，通过正规的学院式教育对科学成果进行普及和推广，极大的促进了科学发展。 ②法制观 “法令所以导民也，刑法所以禁奸也。文武不备，良民惧然身修者，官未曾乱也。奉职循礼，已可以为治，何必威严哉？”可见，在中国人心中，法律只是道德的补充，所以，中国人提倡自我的完善，不提倡用法律法规来约束人，对法律的重视不是很够。在对欲望的约束方面，中国人主张用礼、道德来约束，宋代朱熹曾提出“存天理，灭人欲”的思想主张，即通过先贤的教诲和学习提高自己的修养，控制和压抑一切“不符合道德”的欲望，讲究克己复礼，这种结果导致了人格的缺陷，丧失了独立的人格，也是封建统治盛行的根由。 而西方人认为人的欲望是不应该被压制的，对于社会和个人的规范，主张用“法制”，通过制度，如三权分立的组织、政治机构来约束制约，道德则处于从属的地位。 ③民主观 中国人注重精神的自由，虽然整个封建社会二千多年的历史，基本都是封建集中制的不断加强，是民主政治的彻底丧失，但从一开始，儒家、道家的思想家们就把民主政治放到一个很高的思想高度去认识和看待, 要求统治者爱民、亲民，重视民生疾苦，孔子的“仁”治思想，孟子的“民为重、社稷次之，君为轻”思想，老子的”老吾老，以及人之老，幼吾幼，以及人之幼”思想等等，都包含着“民主”思想，但又推崇君权神授，维护等级制度，把自由、民主看成是君主权贵的赏赐。所以我们的人民总在渴望青天，希望能有好官的出现为民谋利。 而西方的民主政治认为，政出于民，一切的权利只是人民授予，让政府来行使的一种权力，所以，西方人对不能为民服务的政府，通过选票的方式可以给予否决或者改选。当然这中间可能也有许多问题，但无论认识水平上还是制度设计上，无疑都比我们要先进的多。 ④人际交往
一、背景： 节日是指一年中被赋予特殊社会文化意义并穿插于日常之间的日子，是人们丰富多彩生活的集中展现。有这样一句名言: “每个民族的每个节日, 正是反映这个民族文化最真实的一面”。每个民族的传统节日都包含着一个民族历史形成和沉淀下来的性格、心理、信仰、道德情操、审美情趣，以及诸多民族文化深层结构内涵的价值取向，是民族精神在特定的社会土壤上长期孕育的结果和重要载体，是一个民族生存形态最突出、最具特色的展示。 二、中西方传统节日的起源与形成差异 由于中国长期处于封建统治的自给自足的农业社会和自然经济之中，所以其传统节日当然不可避免地保持其农业色彩。中国的主要传统节日，都跟中国作为农业社会所厉行的历法和中国历法中所规定的节气密切相关，具有浓厚的农业色彩。 在西方国家，宗教是文化和社会的中心。人们的思想可以通过宗教来反应。与此同时，宗教通过人类对上帝或精神的信仰控制着他们。自从欧洲大陆被基督教文明浸染后，西方几乎所有影响最大的传统节日都与基督教有关，可以毫不夸张地说，宗教存在于各行各业。 通过对比，我们看到：中国的节日主要与节气有关，祈求自身吉祥幸福，这充分体现了天人合一的中国传统哲学思想。比如我们过春节时有守岁除“夕”的习俗，这就是把自然人格化,追求人的精神消融于自然界之中,人与自然共呼吸的和谐状态。西方的节日主要源于宗教及相关事件，缅怀上帝、求其保佑，以基督教的精神教育感化着民众。比如过圣诞节时人们会感谢上帝，祈祷一切美好的梦想会变成现实。孩子们更为高兴，因为他们会收到圣诞老人送来的礼物。 三、中西方传统节日的习俗的差异 节日习俗则是在节日里出现的风俗习惯和庆祝方式。每个节日都有自己的一些独特的庆祝活动，这一点中西方都相同。但中西方的节日风俗却有着很大的不同， 中国的传统节日习俗主要以吃喝饮食为主题，并且以家庭为单位。中国的传统节日都以具有文化意蕴的饮食风俗：如清明节的冷食与雄黄酒、中秋节的月饼、重阳节的重阳糕与菊花酒、端午节的粽子等等。 西方人对生命的追求是以健康快乐为目的，除必须的饮食营养外，更主要的是通过宗教和娱乐活动来实现，认为人生来有原罪，必须通过信仰上帝，参加宗教仪式和不断忏悔等才能赎罪，从而得到行令净化和快乐，因此西方的节日习俗不仅有浓厚的宗教色彩，而且注重宗教仪式后的一种身心季解脱式的愉悦和快乐。 综上所述，我们可以发现，中西民族在这种节日活动中表现出来的文化差异：中国讲究饮食，体现了“民以食为天”的文化传统；西方则偏好交往，具有游牧文化的遗风和商业文明的特色。 四、中西方传统节日的文化价值的差异 在中国，人们尊重集体并把个人投入集体当中，他们重视集体而不是个人。因为是继承了儒家的集体主义，因此这些节日表现出对整体情况的考虑。而西方人却截然不同，他们尊敬人与自然，强调个人价值，并且追求自由主义和个人主义。从另一方面来说，中国的节日体现着中国人的美德和风尚，尊老爱幼，互叙亲情，这些是我们民族的优良传统，应该继续发扬，所以国人一直坚守着这些中国节的好习俗、好风气。西方的传统节日体现了社会发展的需要、社会前进的必然，体现了人类社会的群体性、众人共同参与性，适应了现代社会人们渴望互相交流、群体参与、共同发泄情绪的愿望。 五、结语 通过上述的分析比较可以看到，中西传统节日文化存在着其起源及习俗等方面的差异性。而在两种文化的交流中，它们彼此渗透彼此交融。中国作为一个文明古国，拥有着多彩的传统文化。然而在当今全球化的时代背景下，只有不断增强综合国力，包括增强文化竞争力，保持传统节日的生命力，才能融入国际社会，又稳住阵脚，从而立于不败之地。
浅谈中西方文化差异 计算机科学与技术学院 xx级x班 xxx 学号：xxxxx 通过对本学期中西文化比较课程的学校，我对中西方文化的异同有了一定程度的认识，以下我将从饮食、节日、音乐、建筑等方面，简要对中西文化的异同做一下探讨。 首先，从饮食方面来说：餐饮产品由于地域特征、气侯环境、风俗习惯等因素的影响，会出现在原料、口味、烹调方法、饮食习惯上的不同程度的差异。正是因为这些差异，餐饮产品具有了强烈的地域性。中西文化之间的差异造就了中西饮食文化的差异，而这种差异来自中西方不同的思维方式和处世哲学。中国人注重“天人合一”，西方人注重“以人为本”。 中国和西方的饮食习惯之间的主要区别是，不同于西方，其中的每个人都有自己自己的食品板块，在中国菜都放在表和大家共享。如果你是被视为一个中国主机，准备一吨的食物。中国是他们的饮食文化非常自豪，并会尽力给你许多不同类型的菜肴的味道。朋友之间，他们只是为了将足以为那里的人民。如果他们有人出来吃饭的关系是半礼貌客气的，那么他们通常会比客人数量（例如四口人，五菜）为了一个菜。，如果它是一个商务宴请或一个非常正式的场合，有可能是一个巨大的食物量，将不可能完成。一个典型的餐开始与一些凉拌菜，像煮花生和大蒜捣烂黄瓜。这些都是其次的主要课程，热鲜肉和蔬菜菜肴。最后，汤是带了出来，这是由淀粉的“主食”食品，通常是米饭或面条或有时饺子。许多中国人吃米饭（或面条或其他）最后，但如果你要与其他菜肴米饭，你应该说那么早。 对比注重“味”的中国饮食，西方是一种理性饮食观念。不论食物的色、香、味、形如何，而营养一定要得到保证，讲究一天要摄取多少热量、维生素、蛋白质等等。即便口味千篇一律，也一定要吃下去——因为有营养。这一饮食观念同西方整个哲学体系是相适应的。形而上学是西方哲学的主要特点。西方哲学所研究的对象为事物之理，事物之理常为形上学理，形上学理互相连贯，便结成形上哲学。这一哲学给西方文化带来生机，使之在自然科学上、心理学上、方法论上实现了突飞猛进的发展。但在另一些方面，这种哲学主张大大地起了阻碍作用，如饮食文化。在宴席上，可以讲究餐具，讲究用料，讲究服务，讲究菜之原料的形、色方面的搭配；但不管怎么豪华高档，从洛杉矶到纽约，牛排都只有一种味道，无艺术可言。作为菜肴，鸡就是鸡，牛排就是牛排，纵然有搭配，那也是在盘中进行的，一盘“法式羊排”，一边放土豆泥，旁倚羊排，另一边配煮青豆，加几片番茄便成。色彩上对比鲜明，但在滋味上各种原料互不相干、调和，各是各的味，简单明了。 中国人是很重视“吃”的，“民以食为天”这句谚语就说明我们把吃看得与天一样重要。由于我们这个民族几千年来都处于低下的生产力水平，人们总是吃不饱，所以才会有一种独特的把吃看得重于一切的饮食文化，我想，这大概是出于一种生存需要吧。如果一种文化把吃看成首要的事，那么就会出现两种现象：一方面会把这种吃的功能发挥到极致，不仅维持生存，也利用它维持健康，这也就是”药补不如食补”的文化基础；另一方面，对吃的过份重视，会使人推崇对美味的追求。中国饮食之所以有其独特的魅力，关键就在于它的味。而美味的产生，在于调和，要使食物的本味，加热以后的熟味，加上配料和辅料的味以及调料的调和之味，交织融合协调在一起，使之互相补充，互助渗透，水乳交融，你中有我，我中有你。中国烹饪讲究的调和之美，是中国烹饪艺术的精要之处。菜点的形和色是外在的东西，而味却是内在的东西，重内在而不刻意修饰外表，重菜肴的味而不过分展露菜肴的形和色，这正是中国美性饮食观的最重要的表现。在中国，饮食的美性追求显然压倒了理性，这种饮食观与中国传统的哲学思想也是吻合的。作为东方
中西方节日文化差异比较 传统的民族节日形成是一个民族的历史文化的长期积淀。节日的由来原因与人们的生活有密切的联系, 它体现了人民丰富的情感 世界, 寄托了人民对生活的热爱。有这样一句名言: “每个民族的每个节日, 正是反映这个民族文化最真实的一面”。可见, 要了解一个民族的文化底蕴, 必须从他们的传统节日入手, 才能了解到他们的 文化特色与民族特点。 一、中西节日的起源与形成差异 中国长期以来处于封建自给自足的农业社会和自然经济中, 其传统 节日具有浓厚的农业色彩,包含了农耕文明的社会特征, 主要是从岁时节令转换而来的。我国古代长期以农为本, 在生产力和农业技术不发达的情况下, 十分重视气候对农作物的影响。在春种、夏长、秋收、冬藏的过程中认识了自然时序的复杂规律, 总结出四时、二十四节气,形成了以节日为主的传统节日。勤劳的中国人民为了更好地生存, 必须大力发展农业, 而农业的发展离不开天气的关照。古人云“春雨贵如油”、“清明忙种麦, 谷雨种大田”。在古代, 春节、清明节( 古代称三月节) 等都是重要的农事节日。 西方文化由于长久受基督教的影响, 其传统节日起源带有浓厚的宗 教色彩, 如情人节( 纪念名叫瓦丁的基督教殉难者) 、复活节( 基督教纪念耶稣复活) 、万圣节( 纪念教会所有圣人) 、圣诞节( 基督教纪念耶稣诞生) , 这些节日的起源大多与宗教有关系。当然, 西方节日中也有和农业有关的节日, 但他们以农业为主的节日的历史不如
中国漫长。 二、中西节日庆祝方式差异 中国的传统节日, 基本是封建社会时期形成的, 不可避免地留下封建社会的痕迹: 等级制、家族式, 节日无不以家族内部活动为中心。西方的传统节日就不同了, 更多的是表现出人们的互动性、集体性和狂欢性, 以自我为中心, 崇尚个性张扬。这与中国节日的家族性恰好相反, 体现了西方文化的群体性, 反映了人们渴望互相交流、群体参与的愿望,体现了人人平等、自由表现自我的特点。这里试举两例说明。 ( 1) 春节与新年。作为新一年的开始, 中西方有着极大差异的庆祝方式。春节作为中国最重要的传统节日, 源于秦朝, 定于每年农历的一月一日, 从农历12月23日开始, 人民开始开展各种庆祝方式, 一直持续到元宵节。春节的习俗繁多, 如大扫除、吃团圆饭拜年、放鞭炮, 舞狮子等。总之, 不论是大街小巷, 都笼罩着一股浓浓的喜庆气氛。而西方, 他们崇尚的是过公历新年, 即元旦。相比之下他们过年的方式就浪漫多了, 在12月31日晚, 各地区的人民涌上街道,进行盛大的狂欢, 到了深夜接近零时时, 数十万人会聚集于一起, 诚心地祈祷, 为新的一年的到来倒计时。当大钟敲响12下, 顿时, 优美的乐曲奏响, 揭开了华丽舞会的序幕, 人们通宵达旦地庆祝。 可见, 春节与新年各有千秋: 春节, 充满浓厚的传统气息和独有的魅力; 新年, 体现时代的气息和潮流的感觉, 更贴近现代生活。( 2) 万圣节与中元节。万圣节作为西方的重要节日之一, 颇受人民
有关于中西方传统节日文化差异总结 导读：我根据大家的需要整理了一份关于《有关于中西方传统节日文化差异总结》的内容，具体内容：传统的民族节日形成是一个民族的历史文化的长期积淀。以下是我为你整理的中西方传统节日文化差异总结，希望能帮到你。一、中西方传统节日差异传统的民族节日形成是一个民族的历史文... 传统的民族节日形成是一个民族的历史文化的长期积淀。以下是我为你整理的中西方传统节日文化差异总结，希望能帮到你。 一、中西方传统节日差异 传统的民族节日形成是一个民族的历史文化的长期积淀。节日的由来原因与人们的生活有密切的联系, 它体现了人民丰富的情感世界, 寄托了人民对生活的热爱。有这样一句名言: "每个民族的每个节日, 正是反映这个民族文化最真实的一面"。可见, 要了解一个民族的文化底蕴, 必须从他们的传统节日入手, 才能了解到他们的文化特色 与民族特点。 一)、中国长期以来处于封建自给自足的农业社会和自然经济中, 其传统节日具有浓厚的农业色彩,包含了农耕文明的社会特征, 主要是从岁时节令转换而来的。我国古代长期以农为本, 在生产力和农业技术不发达的情况下, 十分重视气候对农作物的影响。在春种、夏长、秋收、冬藏的过程中认识了自然时序的复杂规律, 总结出四时、二十四节气, 形成了以节日为主的传统节日。勤劳的中国人民为了更好地
生存, 必须大力发展农业, 而农业的发展离不开天气的关照。古人云"春雨贵如油"、"清明忙种麦, 谷雨种大田"。在古代, 春节、清明节( 古代称三月节) 等都是重要的农事节日。 西方文化由于长久受基督教的影响, 其传统节日起源带有浓厚的宗教色彩, 如情人节( 纪念名叫瓦丁的基督教殉难者) 、复活节( 基督教纪念耶稣复活) 、万圣节( 纪念教会所有圣人) 、圣诞节( 基督教纪念耶稣诞生) , 这些节日的起源大多与宗教有关系。当然, 西方节日中也有和农业有关的节日, 但他们以农业为主的节日的历史不如中国漫长。 二)、中西节日庆祝方式差异中国的传统节日, 基本是封建社会时期形成的, 不可避免地留下封建社会的痕迹: 等级制、家族式, 节日无不以家族内部活动为中心。西方的传统节日就不同了, 更多的是表现出人们的互动性、集体性和狂欢性, 以自我为中心, 崇尚个性张扬。这与中国节日的家族性恰好相反, 体现了西方文化的群体性, 反映了人们渴望互相交流、群体参与的愿望,体现了人人平等、自由表现自我的特点。这里试举两例说明。 ( 1) 春节与新年。作为新一年的开始, 中西方有着极大差异的庆祝方式。春节作为中国最重要的传统节日, 源于秦朝, 定于每年农历的一月一日, 从农历12月23日开始, 人民开始开展各种庆祝方式, 一直持续到元宵节。春节的习俗繁多, 如大扫除、吃团圆饭拜年、放鞭炮, 舞狮子等。总之, 不论是大街小巷, 都笼罩着一股浓浓的喜庆气氛。而西方, 他们崇尚的是过公历新年, 即元旦。相比之下他们过
【关键字】开题报告 中西方文化差异论文开题报告 篇一：中西文化差异的研究开题报告 中西文化差异的研究开题报告 一、综述本课题国内外研究动态，说明选题的依据和意义：动态： 20世纪90年代以来, 中西方文化差异对比的研究方兴未艾,不同层面,不同角度的全方位研究正在不断深入。近年来,国内外有关中西方文化差异专题研究的论文也相继公开发表,为中西方文化差异的进一步深入研究奠定了基础。 意义：中西文化承载着不同民族的文化特色和文化信息， 它们与传统文化紧密相连，不可分割。本选题以中西方文化差异为切入点，进行较为深入的文化对比研究，反映一个民族的礼仪、宗教信仰、风 俗习惯、饮食等特征的表现，有助于更好的了解和掌握中西方文化的差异。 二、研究的基本内容、难点和创新点： 基本内容：本选题重在研究礼仪文化、(本文来自：小草范文网:中西方文化差异论文开题报告)饮食观念、风俗习惯、宗教信仰、语言表达方式折射出的文化差异，理论说明与实例分析相结合。 难点：如何从多个角度分析归纳总结文化差异。 创新点：将礼仪作为一种文化现象重点加以研究。 三、研究步骤、方法及措施 步骤： 1.中西礼仪的差异 1.1称呼语 1.2感谢和答谢 1.3赞美 1.4节日 2.中西饮食观念得差异 2.1中西饮食对象的差异 2.2中西饮食方式、餐具不同2.3中西饮食性质的差异 3.中西风俗习惯的差异 3.1称谓及称呼 3.2敬语谦词 4.中西宗教信仰的差异 5.中西语言表达方式的差异 研究方法和措施： 本篇研究的主要方法和措施是在选定课题后， 由小 组成员分工协作， 从图书馆查阅相关的书籍、
上网寻找资料和有价值 的参照文献，最后结合所学课程的相关内容做出总结。四、研究工作进度：11 月，查找相关资料。 12 月，结合所学课程的相关内容做出总结。 五、主要参照文献： 邓炎昌、刘润清 : 《语言与文化》 刘炳善 : 《英国文学简史》 王福祥、吴汉樱 : 《文化与语言》 胡文仲 : 《文化与交际》 朱维之、赵澧 : 《外国文学简编》 张今、陈云清 : 《英汉比较语法纲要》 沈福伟：《中西文化交流史》 篇二：毕业论文开题报告(浅析中西方姓氏文化的差异) 本科毕业论文(设计)开题报告 题目：浅析中西方姓氏文化的差异 二级学院：文新学院 专业：汉语言文学 班级：XX级2班 学号：XX010240 学生姓名：黄通科 指导教师：曾祥云 20 14 年 6 月12 日 四川文理学院本科毕业论文（设计）开题报告 1
中西方节日文化对比 一、中西方传统节日起源的差异 各国有着不同的国情，其传统节日的起源和形成也存在很大的差别。中国是一个有着古老东方文明的国家。其悠久的历史和优良传统为传统节日的成长提供了肥沃的土壤。作为一个农业国，中华文化深深根植于农业，因此，农业活动使得节日更具有地方性色彩。从另一方面来说，传统节日的形成过程，是一个民族或国家的历史文化长期积淀凝聚的过程。例如，春节与一些农业活动，如种植、收获，有着密切的联系。作为中国最重要的节日，春节的起源可以追溯到几千年来不断进化的一系列丰富多彩的传说和传统。 西方的传统节日的起源都带有浓厚的宗教色彩。在西方国家，宗教是文化和社会的中心。人们的思想可以通过宗教来反应。与此同时，宗教通过人类对上帝或精神的信仰控制着他们。自从欧洲大陆被基督教文明浸染后，西方几乎所有影响最大的传统节日都与基督教有关，可以毫不夸张地说，宗教存在于各行各业。二、中西方传统节日庆祝方式的差异 我们中国是礼仪之邦，再加上儒家思想的长期影响，我们的节日就特别注重仪式，节日里，年轻人必须礼拜老人，全家要吃团圆饭，要阖家共庆，阖家节日。即使是春节的互相串门拜年，也基本是在亲属之间。一群陌生人在一起狂欢，那是没有的、不可想象的。西方的节日的庆祝却强调内容的丰富多彩。在节日里， 对于别人送来的礼物，中国人往往要推辞一番，表现得无可奈何地接受，接受后一般也不当面打开。而在西方文化中，人们对别人送的礼品，一般都要当面打开称赞一番，并且欣然道谢。 由此可见，中西方传统节日的庆祝方式几乎是成两极分化的中国的传统节日, 基本是封建社会时期形成的, 不可避免地留下封建社会的痕迹。西方的传统节日就不同了, 更多的是表现出人们的互动性、集体性和狂欢性, 以自我为中心,崇尚个性张扬。这与中国节日的家族性恰好相反, 体现了西方文化的群体性, 反映了人们渴望互相交流、群体参与的愿望,体现了人人平等、自由表现自我的特点。 三、中西方传统节日文化价值的差异 在中国，人们尊重集体并把个人投入集体当中，他们重视集体而不是个人价值或个人的自由发展。而西方人却截然不同，他们尊敬人与自然，强调个人价值，并且追求自由主义和个人主义。西方的人道主义重视个人价值，强调个人的权利与自由。从另一方面来说，中国的节日体现着中国人的美德和风尚，尊老爱幼，互叙亲情，这些是我们民族的优良传统，应该继续发扬，所以国人一直坚守着这些中国节的好习俗、好风气。其实中西方节日差异的远远不止这些，归根结底所有的一切还是与民族的历史有着密不可分的关系。随着世界各国交流的日益频繁及科学技术的发展，在国际交往中，我们所面对的是来自陌生的文化和思维方式、生活习惯及行为方式与我们迥然不同的人，在与之交往的过程中不可避免的会出现文化冲突的现象。所以，保护我们原有的传统文化是必须的，但吸收新的文化也是必不可少的。中西方的文化互相渗透，相互融合，这是两种文化紧跟时代潮 流、永葆生命活力的一大福音。
《中西方文化比较》复习资料 文化与文明的关系：(1)《苏联大百科全书》中概括：“文化概念最初是指对自然的有 目的的影响，以及人本身的培养和训练。培养不仅包括培养人们遵守现有的准则和习惯的能力，而且包括鼓励他们遵守这些准则和习惯的愿望，使他们相信文化能够满足人的全部要求和需求。任何社会文化都包含这两层意思。”(2) 中国古代的典籍中涉及到文明，《尚书》、《易经》等，李渔的《闲情偶记》中有“求辟草昧而致文明，不可得也”，隐含与蒙昧相对应的文化状态的含义，接近现代意义。西方的文明概念与城市文化兴起关系密切。（3）在许多情况下，文明和文化两个词通用。文明往往指的是相对成熟或者高级的文化形态。中华文明古希腊文明等。但对于处在低级状态下的文化，一般不用文明一词。如因纽特文明。（4）一些学者认为文化为精神现象，而文明指制度化、形态化的社会现实，如政治、军事、法律等。有的学者（美国巴格比）用文明将较大较复杂的文化与较小较简单的文化区别。四大文明古国与一些“亚文明”。许多人不加细究地把文明作为文化的广义解释，用它来描述那些综合性、整体性较强的文化事实。工业文明、农业文明、精神文明等。 中西学者对文化的阐述：1把文化看做一个包含多层次、多方面内容的综合体，用 它来概括人类创造和积累起来的全部物质与精神财富以及人们的生活方式。2把文化理解为人类精神现象或观念形态的总和。3强调文化作为人的社会行为与习俗的意义。4还有一种普遍的认识，即把文化主要视作人类的艺术活动及富有仪式性的民俗活动的概括。5一部分学者尤其是历史哲学家十分重视文化的历史传承性质，他们倾向于把文化理解为一个社会的传统行为方式或全部社会遗产。6从功能和价值层面来认识文化的意义是文化概念探讨的又一思路。7强调文化对人的思想行为的潜在指导和规范作用是另一类文化阐释的核心。 文化性质和特征：1、我们赞成把文化看做具有多层次结构的有机系统。2、我们把民 族性和地域性看做五年后的重要特征。3、文化还具有规则性。4、文化是历史承继的，它能够通过代代相传的不断积累，形成特定的文化传统。5、尽管我们已承认每一种特定的文化都具有维护其持续性与稳定性的内在力量，但我们还是要指出：一定民族的文化形态是可以变迁的。 中西文化的不同地理差异和自然条件对文化形成的影响：中：1 首先是 幅员辽阔、腹地纵深。辽阔的土地不仅为我们的祖先提供了完全自足的生存条件，而且蕴藏着雄厚的发展潜能，使他们能不断地自我调节和更新，并且进退裕如。2 其次是复杂的地形地貌。这些都滋养了中华文化众彩纷呈的特殊，为华夏多民族、多源流、多侧面的亚文化系统的形成创造了条件。3 第三是气候温暖湿润。这种气候为各种植物的生长和农耕文明的发展提供了十分优厚的自然条件。4 第四是半封闭的边缘地形。促使中华文化能够沿着自己的方向独立发展，创造与众不同的文化品格和文明成果，并能保持自成一体的延续性。但在一定程度上主旨了华夏文明的不断进步。西：1 陆地狭窄而多山地带，土地贫瘠加上气候不利于粮食的生长。因而很难形成完全自足的农业经济，因而他们不得不转向大海讨生活。2 地中海地区特色的海洋地理和周边环境。开放的地理环境和具有较高文化势能的周边文明又为古希腊罗马文明的成长提供了丰富的养料和宝贵的经验。3 古希腊自然地理的第三个特征是它的全境被各种天然屏障分割成若干孤立的小区域。这种特殊的地理，产生了希腊独特的城邦制社会结构，多方向、多民族共生的富于变化的文化聚集，也陶冶了希腊民族崇尚自由和个性独立的基本性格。